Our Story

In April of 2010, Camilla and Bill Wheeler opened Nautical Wheelers in Oriental, the Sailing Capital of North Carolina, and in June of 2016, they opened their second location in the heart of downtown New Bern, North Carolina. 

Our mission at Nautical Wheelers is:  "To consistently deliver extraordinary customer experiences and offer quality, hand-picked merchandise at a fair price.”  Inspired by Ken Blanchard's book, our desire is to create "Raving Fans".  Our customers come first and creating extraordinary experiences is our number one goal.  

We have a wonderful team of people who keep things running smoothly.  Keep scrolling and get to know the Nautical Wheelers family 

Chrissie White - Director of Operations 

Chrissie has a passion for all footwear and loves L'Artiste shoes "They are colorful, unique & fun!"  She loves Bitchstix because it is a "great lip balm for a great cause". 

When Chrissie's not at Nautical Wheelers..."I enjoy art, gardening, beach days and playing with my dogs Jolene and Maple. My playlist goes from outlaw country to 60s/70s rock to 90s hip-hop and everything in between."

Lynnelle Combs - Assistant Manager, New Bern

Lynnelle's Favorite Things:  "Love my pink Aetrex sneakers (I can wear them at work all day!), and Fahlo animal tracking bracelets."

In her spare time:  "I like to read military/thriller fiction, shop, and go for walks with family and my dog Rockey!"

On her playlist:  "True crime podcasts!"

Sydney Bazzle - Store Manager, Oriental

My favorite product we sell is definitely the Spongelle flowers, I recommend them to nearly everyone that walks through the door looking for a gift or just a little something for themselves! I also love World's Softest Socks; I don't think you can ever have too many pairs of those.

When I'm not shopping at work, I am most likely shopping somewhere else. I hate to say shopping is my hobby, but my love for it definitely comes in handy on the job, because my passion for our merchandise is actually genuine! If I'm not out somewhere blowing my paycheck, I'm most likely spending time with family and friends, or I'm at home using my mediocre cooking skills to try a new recipe.

It depends on the playlist; I have one for just about every mood. Early 2000's music is probably my favorite (it reminds me of my childhood); but I also enjoy other genres like country, indie, pop, rap, and modern and classic rock. Although, my top artist on Spotify for three years straight has been Post Malone. 

Katherine Riggs - Assistant Manager, Oriental

My favorite Nautical Wheelers products would have to be our bath selections. Specifically, I love the Musee bath balms with a surprise inside that make relaxing fun and our Spongelle soap sponges that smell good and are super exfoliating!

When not at work my favorite activity is to shop. I love to look at other products that stores have. If I'm not working or shopping, I am playing with my dog Hank or reading a good book. If someone were to take a trip though my playlist, they would find a variety of artists and genres. It can jump from Miranda Lambert to Eminem to Olivia Rodrigo. 

Janis - Customer Service Sales Associate

Favorite Nautical Wheelers product:  "OLUKAI! The most comfortable flops & shoes ever!!"
Past times:  "Sketching/Drawing & Cooking"
On her playlist:  "Jazz"

Alivia DeLisle - Assistant Manager, Oriental

I really like the World Softest socks, the Spongelle's, and Teleties. They make great gifts and self-care items. When I'm wanting to treat myself, I pick up one of these or grab a Chapel Hill Toffee.

In my free time my hobbies include trying new recipes, creative writing, and video games. I get a kick out of watching playthroughs of scary games, since I'm too chicken to play them myself.  My music tastes vary, but I tend to gravitate towards woodsy songs, Broadway, lo-fi, alt, and anything that makes me feel like I'm in a different world. Twenty-One Pilots have a special place in my heart and always make one of the top two rankings on my Spotify wrapped. I also enjoy Hozier, Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, Stray Kids, and Half-Alive.

Serenity Greene - Sales Associate

Serenity's Favorite Product: Pura Vida!

In her spare time:  Serenity enjoys journaling and practicing graphic art and design!.

On her playlist:  Soul Hits of the 70's!

 Sandy Boutillier - POLYWOOD Coordinator

1.  My favorite product is our selection of Orthotic shoes!  My favorite being Aetrex.  Love the styles and comfort.  I can be on my feet all day with total comfort!

2.  I LOVE to visit and spend as much time as I can with my grandchildren!!!  I love to paint, go boating and travel!

3.  Country (Highway) - Christian (The Message) ...

Jack Jackson - POLYWOOD Specialist